Japan, UK to deepen defense coop.

TOKYO, Aug 28 (KUNA) -- Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his British counterpart John Healey on Thursday agreed to strengthen defense cooperation as closest partners in Asia and Europe, Japan's Defense Ministry said.
At their talks in Tokyo, Nakatani and Healey shared the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable, welcoming the first-ever joint statement between the two defense authorities, the ministry said in a press release.
Based on the statement, they confirmed to step up cooperation across all services, including through joint exercises, and to deepen collaboration on defense equipment and technology such as the Global Combat Air Program, according to the ministry. The Global Combat Air Program is a trilateral project with Italy and aims to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.
The two defense chiefs further agreed to expand cooperation in new domains like space and cyber, and to promote initiatives on Women, Peace and Security. Nakatani welcomed the port call by the British carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales, describing it as evidence of further advancement in Japan-UK defense cooperation and Britain's robust commitment to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Healey expressed agreement with Nakatani's remarks. (end) mk.hb